Mamelodi Sundowns aim to extend lead as Kaizer Chiefs seek momentum

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to strengthen their position at the top of the Betway Premiership when they travel to face Chippa United on Saturday.

The Brazilians moved six points clear of reigning champions Orlando Pirates, who have two games in hand, after beating Siwelele FC 3-0 on Wednesday.

A victory at Buffalo City Stadium could see Sundowns extend their advantage to nine points, depending on results elsewhere.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was pleased with his side’s midweek performance but expressed frustration at the late change of venue for the Chippa United fixture, which was originally scheduled to take place at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

“It will be a tough match. We play there on Saturday,” Cardoso said.

He added that the change had affected the team’s preparations ahead of their upcoming international fixture, although he insisted his focus was now on recovering his players and preparing for Chippa.

The weekend action begins on Friday, when Stellenbosch FC host Sekhukhune United at Athlone Stadium.

On Saturday, AmaZulu face Marumo Gallants at Princess Magogo Stadium, while Kaizer Chiefs travel to Polokwane City.

Chiefs returned to winning ways last weekend with a 3-2 victory over Siwelele, but coach Fernando Da Cruz wants his side to improve defensively.

“The first step is to do our match analysis and correct the tactical side, but it’s not only that. It also depends on the spirit and mentality of the players on the field,” Da Cruz said.

Sundowns’ clash with Chippa will then take centre stage at 17:30 GMT.

Sunday’s programme begins with two matches at 15:00 GMT, as Milford FC host Richards Bay in a derby at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, while Siwelele welcome Golden Arrows to the Free State Stadium.

The weekend concludes with TS Galaxy hosting Kruger United at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.

Galaxy have won only once in the league so far, but coach Bernard Parker believes his side’s start should not be viewed negatively.

“I wouldn’t think it’s a slow start. Looking at all the teams and us pound for pound, I think we got a lot of positives out of the five games, we only lost once,” Parker said.

“We lost once and drew three, so we are on the right track, and also, we are growing game by game.”

Betway Premiership fixtures

Friday 11 September

19:30 – Stellenbosch FC v Sekhukhune United

Saturday 12 September

15:00 – AmaZulu FC v Marumo Gallants

15:00 – Polokwane City v Kaizer Chiefs

17:30 – Chippa United v Mamelodi Sundowns

Sunday 13 September

15:00 – Milford FC v Richards Bay

15:00 – Siwelele FC v Golden Arrows

17:30 – TS Galaxy v Kruger United